John Harbison's Winter's Tale is a two-act opera with libretto adapted by the composer from Shakespeare's five-act The Winter's Tale. First premiered in 1979, the opera was revised in 1991 and had its world premiere of the complete revised version with BMOP in 2009. A story of jealousy and deceit, misunderstandings and forgiveness, Harbison sets the classic tale to a score at times frenetic and then languorous, and adds six "Dumbshows" - devices to streamline narrative.

American Record Guide, January/February 2013The recording seems to be just what the composer wanted. Voices are strong, the orchestra incisive. The complex genesis of the opera (1972-2005) is charmingly related by the composer in the notes. A libretto in English is also included.